What economic factors drove Nazi Germany towards expansion?

Nazi Germany's expansion was primarily driven by economic factors such as unemployment, rearmament, and the pursuit of autarky.

In the aftermath of the First World War, Germany was left with a devastated economy. The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations on the country, leading to hyperinflation and high unemployment rates. When the Nazis came to power in 1933, they promised to restore Germany's economic strength. One of their strategies was territorial expansion, which they believed would provide the necessary resources and labour to rebuild the economy.

The Nazis also pursued a policy of rearmament, which was a significant economic factor driving expansion. Hitler believed that a strong military was essential for Germany to regain its status as a world power. Rearmament not only created jobs, reducing unemployment, but also stimulated the economy by increasing demand for goods and services. However, rearmament was expensive and required resources that Germany did not have. Expansion into other countries provided the necessary raw materials, such as iron and coal, as well as additional markets for German goods.

Another key economic factor was the Nazi's pursuit of autarky, or economic self-sufficiency. Hitler wanted Germany to be independent of foreign imports and to control its own resources. This was partly due to the economic instability caused by reliance on foreign trade, but also because of the belief in racial purity and the desire to create a self-sufficient 'Aryan' state. To achieve autarky, Germany needed more land for agriculture and industry, which was another reason for expansion.

Furthermore, the Nazis believed in the concept of 'Lebensraum' or 'living space'. They argued that the German people needed more space to live and grow, which could only be achieved through territorial expansion. This idea was used to justify the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, and the invasion of Poland and other countries. While Lebensraum was partly a political and ideological concept, it also had economic implications. More land meant more resources and more opportunities for economic growth.

In conclusion, the economic factors driving Nazi Germany towards expansion were complex and interrelated. They included the need to reduce unemployment, the desire for rearmament and autarky, and the belief in Lebensraum. These factors were all part of the Nazi's broader strategy to restore Germany's economic and political power.